President Uhuru Kenyatta waves to his supporters at Muthurwa Market in downtown Nairobi with his deputy William Ruto among other leaders on October 9, 2014.

The arrival of President Kenyatta Thursday was characterised by a carnival mood reminiscent of the presidential election campaigns last year.

Both the President and his Deputy William Ruto — who held the reins of power for the 48 hours that Mr Kenyatta was at the ICC — addressed crowds from an open-roof vehicle.

Huge crowds welcomed the President, and one could hardly hear what the two leaders were saying as wild cheers drowned the public address system.

Security had been enhanced within the city centre, with police officers on horseback patrolling the streets while NYS personnel helped control crowds and traffic.

At the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, the President inspected a guard of honour mounted by the Kenya Defence Forces. That was a few minutes to 7am.

Mr Ruto led the welcoming party that included Senate majority Leader Kindiki Kithure and National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale. Losers in last year’s elections such as Ferdinand Waititu were also at hand to welcome the Head of State.

Outside the presidential lounge, beyond the fence, a crowd that had come from as far as Nakuru gathered. Some fought over TNA t-shirts. TNA is the president’s party, a member of the ruling Jubilee Coalition.

A Maendeleo ya Wanawake team was there too — a group of about 15 women — singing the praises of the President. Other women groups from Kiambu were in blue t-shirts with the words “Empowering women to get out of poverty” printed on their backs.

A man in a blue t-shirt claimed to be a member of the “Jubilee Social Media Cabinet”, which claims to defend and educate people on the agenda of the government. “Ours is not about propaganda. In fact we give facts. We have members even abroad,” said Mr James Waigi before he answered a telephone call and melted into the crowd.

Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko had his followers, Sonko Rescue Team. So, was the senator in some trouble? No. The team claimed they work under him to “rescue” youth from crime and drugs in all Nairobi slums.

“He has been very supportive. We are just here to welcome him,” said one of their leaders who reeked of alcohol.

At Harambee Avenue where the President and his deputy made the final address outside their offices, huge crowds had begun gathering as early as 7am. Mr Kenyatta arrived at about 1:15pm and was welcomed to speak to the eager crowd by his deputy.

– Agencies

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